Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Man O' War and Eurovintage Trade Day 2011 !
We decided this year that the annual Man O’ War Trade Day would have a 6’s & 7’s cricket theme and 120 eager people joined the Man O’ War and Eurovintage crew for a day of fun in the sun!
We welcomed some international guests, Mariyana Radylova from Oxo Tower / Harvey Nicholls in London and Zoe Lawrence, blogger from UK www.bythebottle.co.uk, plus some “Ponsonby South” guests from Wellington, Hamilton and Cambridge!
The trip started with incredible excitement as two Orca whales joined us in Auckland Harbour! As we left Auckland in summer showers, passing the gorgeous islands in the Hauraki Gulf, we were welcomed by three dolphins as we motored past the sunny cliffside vineyards of Man O’ War – gasps all round again!
Matt, MOW Vineyard Manager, and Duncan, MOW Winemaker, greeted us as we arrived at the stunning Man O’ War Bay and docked at the jetty – a new take on Fantasy Island’s “The plane, the plane”! As all the guests made their way through the bush lined track, a beautiful sight was unfolded – a cricket pitch lined with MOW wine, MOW olive oil and all-day pizza marquees!
Those joining in the cricket matches were divided into teams affectionately named ‘Burbs’, ‘City’ and ‘Ponsonby’. After the rules were explained by Matt (Google them if you don’t know!) the battle commenced to win the very shiny ‘Man O’ War 6’s & 7’s Trophy’. Some great, mediocre and also rather amusing cricket unfolded. Some took it very seriously (arriving at the pier in Auckland with their own bat, in fairness, his team did win) and others were fairly laid back! Added incentive was that MOW and Eurovintage would donate $1 per run and $50 per six scored for the Christchurch Mayoral Fund – this totalled $6,900 by the end of the day!
Between games and during the 29 degree warmth (we really do have a micro climate here!), guests mellowed out to sounds by George FM & Clarke Gayford, made their way to the beach and relaxed, swam or even flew – check out the flying kiwi!
City emerged as the victors and then prepared to face the MOW team. We had a surprise up our sleeves – Black Cap Adam Parore and rugby’s Mathew Ridge. So OK, we beat the City team, but as we did have a bit of an advantage we handed over the trophy to the winning team – celebrating in our own way!
Fabulous day and fabulous people who all joined in with the fun and many friendships were made. The trip back to Auckland was filled with smiles, laughter and those fabulous ‘Titanic’ bow impressions.
Two days of recuperation and today we have just started the 2011 vintage bringing in our Sauvignon Blanc from 4 vineyards- Sidewinder, Root Rake North, North Basin and South 3!
Thanks to all who joined us for the day and also for your support of Man O’ War – roll on next year!
Highlight photos below, please see Facebook for all the photos.
We welcomed some international guests, Mariyana Radylova from Oxo Tower / Harvey Nicholls in London and Zoe Lawrence, blogger from UK www.bythebottle.co.uk, plus some “Ponsonby South” guests from Wellington, Hamilton and Cambridge!
The trip started with incredible excitement as two Orca whales joined us in Auckland Harbour! As we left Auckland in summer showers, passing the gorgeous islands in the Hauraki Gulf, we were welcomed by three dolphins as we motored past the sunny cliffside vineyards of Man O’ War – gasps all round again!
Matt, MOW Vineyard Manager, and Duncan, MOW Winemaker, greeted us as we arrived at the stunning Man O’ War Bay and docked at the jetty – a new take on Fantasy Island’s “The plane, the plane”! As all the guests made their way through the bush lined track, a beautiful sight was unfolded – a cricket pitch lined with MOW wine, MOW olive oil and all-day pizza marquees!
Those joining in the cricket matches were divided into teams affectionately named ‘Burbs’, ‘City’ and ‘Ponsonby’. After the rules were explained by Matt (Google them if you don’t know!) the battle commenced to win the very shiny ‘Man O’ War 6’s & 7’s Trophy’. Some great, mediocre and also rather amusing cricket unfolded. Some took it very seriously (arriving at the pier in Auckland with their own bat, in fairness, his team did win) and others were fairly laid back! Added incentive was that MOW and Eurovintage would donate $1 per run and $50 per six scored for the Christchurch Mayoral Fund – this totalled $6,900 by the end of the day!
Between games and during the 29 degree warmth (we really do have a micro climate here!), guests mellowed out to sounds by George FM & Clarke Gayford, made their way to the beach and relaxed, swam or even flew – check out the flying kiwi!
City emerged as the victors and then prepared to face the MOW team. We had a surprise up our sleeves – Black Cap Adam Parore and rugby’s Mathew Ridge. So OK, we beat the City team, but as we did have a bit of an advantage we handed over the trophy to the winning team – celebrating in our own way!
Fabulous day and fabulous people who all joined in with the fun and many friendships were made. The trip back to Auckland was filled with smiles, laughter and those fabulous ‘Titanic’ bow impressions.
Two days of recuperation and today we have just started the 2011 vintage bringing in our Sauvignon Blanc from 4 vineyards- Sidewinder, Root Rake North, North Basin and South 3!
Thanks to all who joined us for the day and also for your support of Man O’ War – roll on next year!
Highlight photos below, please see Facebook for all the photos.
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